Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Fines Approved for Non-Authorized Trash Haulers

St. Louis County Council approved the final part of its controversial trash districting plan. The plan divided unincorporated St. Louis County into eight trash districts, and awarded contracts to three companies that allowed them to be the only hauler in those districts, however, the county's attorney admitted there was no enforcement mechanism.

An ordinance approved this week provides for a $50 fine for haulers that try to regain customers in the districts. It also revised some of the requirements for disabled customers and allows customers to stop trash pick-up if they are gone for an extended period of time.

Under the county's program, a citizen is locked into the designated hauler and is NOT free to change to another. This has been the major complaint of many county residents.

A state lawsuit is still pending over the legality of the trash plan.

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:13 PM

    If they are still in violation of their own charter, I don't see how they think they can enforce this!
    If the charter says a vote of the people, that hasn't happened yet so how can any rule, with regards to this matter, be enforced?
    I sure hope someone out there can answer this but NOT someone from the County Council!!!!!

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  2. Anonymous4:44 PM

    I keep receiving late notices from Veolia, now stating that they will interrupt service and a reinstatement fee may be charged. I sent them a letter and a copy of my paid receipt from my current trash hauler. I have been notified by my hauler that at the end of my paid time with them, which will be at the end of Dec, I will have to use Veolia.
    My question is can they make me pay for any of this or a reinstatement fee when I have to use them starting in Jan?

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  3. Anonymous5:38 PM

    Regarding Veolia . . . Since you're currently using another hauer, Veolia should not be sending you notices and threatening a reinstatement fee. I assume you have not used their service.

    I'm surprised your current hauler say they will not continue service when the current period ends. There is legal action to throw out the trash program and require a two year notice. This whole thing can change again overnight.

    I would suggest calling the county Waste Management Dept. at 314-286-9200 and advise them of your situation and "harassment" by Veolia.

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  4. Anonymous8:01 PM

    Allied Waste adds a $30 reinstatement fee and Veolia a $40 reinstatement fee to overdue bills. This is highway robbery!!!
    American Eagle doesn't charge any extra fee. No wonder everyone wants them as their hauler. This is, also, obviously why Allied Waste, Veolia, etc., could afford to bid low because they knew they would get extra $ from these additional fees.
    The county should not have allowed this to happen. There are many out there who have to choose between paying their gas or electric bill. They should not be charged additional $ (almost equivalent to their household waste bill) because they're not rich.

    We need legislation to stop these additional exorbitant fees.

    Linda

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